Bill > HB3304

This bill introduces the Digital Age Assurance Act, which aims to protect minors from inappropriate online content by requiring device manufacturers and online platforms to implement age verification mechanisms. The legislation mandates that device manufacturers take reasonable technical steps to estimate the age of a device's primary user upon activation and provide digital age signals to websites and applications. Specifically, manufacturers must create a system that indicates whether a user is under 13, between 13-16, between 16-18, or 18 and older. Websites and applications containing mature content must then use these age signals to restrict access for minors, either by blocking entire sites for users under 18 or blocking specific mature content sections. Online services with knowledge of a minor user must also provide parental control features, such as managing linked accounts, controlling content, and limiting daily usage time. The bill applies to various digital devices including smartphones, tablets, and computers, and covers application stores and online platforms. Enforcement will be handled by the Attorney General, who can issue warnings and potentially levy fines up to $10,000 per violation, though the bill explicitly prohibits private individuals from filing lawsuits. The law is set to become effective on January 1, 2026, and is designed to create a consistent, state-wide approach to protecting minors in digital environments.

Government Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3304&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104